Southwick Public Library
Southwick, MA
Planning for Results
Long Range Plan
July, 2007 - June, 2012
Long Range Planning Committee
Diane Caruso; Karen Contois; Eleanor Davio; Geoffrey Goodman; Burt Hansen; Michael McMahon; Nancy Stenberg, Chair
Anne Murray, Library Director
Libraries have a special role to play in our knowledge economy.
Senator Barack Obama
Executive Summary
As a center of information, knowledge, and enrichment, the Southwick Public Library is a vital part of the growing Southwick community.
Accordingly, under guidelines of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, a five-year plan has been developed in order to provide direction and focus for library operations and future growth.
The Board of Library Trustees appointed a nine-member committee, representing a variety of viewpoints in town. This planning committee facilitated focus groups of local leaders and conducted surveys with a total of 368 responses to identify current and future library-related needs of the community.
Our Service Responses
Based on this input, and their own research of town records, census data and other sources, the planning committee developed mission and vision statements to guide the planning process, and subsequently identified five “service responses” to meet the needs of the community today, and in anticipation of future growth:
• Business and Career Information
Addresses the need for information related to business, careers, work, entrepreneurship, personal finance and obtaining employment.
• Commons
Addresses the need of people to meet and interact with others in their community and to participate in public discourse about community needs.
• Current Topics and Titles
Fufills community residents’ appetite for information about popular culture and social trends, and their desire for satisfying recreational experiences.
• General Information
Meets the need for information and answers to questions on a broad array of topics related to work, school and personal life.
• Lifelong Learning
Addresses the desire for self-directed personal growth and development opportunities.
The planning committee established overarching goals as well as specific objectives toward implementing these service responses which create a framework for staff education and development during the plan period, and provide a foundation for purchases of informational material and equipment that will make it possible for the library and its staff to meet the needs encompassed by these service responses.
The library’s Long-Range Planning Committee appreciates having the opportunity to help guide the library in enhancing its services and outreach over the coming years, and respectfully submits details of the plan on the pages that follow.
Needs Assessment
The Southwick Public Library sits at a crossroads, literally and figuratively. From the literal perspective, the physical location of the library (on the school’s campus) makes it a popular research venue with the regional school systems students and staff. Because of the library’s main thoroughfare location and ample parking, it is also routinely visited by patrons from the surrounding communities of Agawam and Westfield. Figuratively, the library is an integral part of a community whose population has grown from 8,836 in 2000 to 9,600 in 2006.
The rationale of need for the first service response, Business and Career Information, developed from a steady and increased number of patron requests for information regarding small business start-up and career changes. A second component of need in this area is the ability of patrons to be able to have virtual access to the libraries resources via the World Wide Web.
According to a survey given to townspeople and patrons last year, the library is viewed as “very valuable”. However, further information gained from focus groups organized as a part of the five-year planning process revealed that town citizens felt the community room should be utilized more. Service response 2, Commons, addresses this need. Providing a comfortable space for computer workshops and teen stress workshops will be a particular focus of this increased usage. Another area of focus will be to open the community room to other town government boards, community organizations and civic groups as an alternate meeting location.
Service response 3, Current Topics and Titles, is the main focus of this library. The goals in this area reflect the staff’s commitment to continue to satisfy patrons’ appetites for current popular literature and AV materials. This area will place an emphasis on staff training in the area of Reader’s Advisory Services, and promote an increased variety of children’s workshops and programs.
The fourth area of patron service, General Information, reflects an expansion of services contained in the previous five-year plan. Increased staff training in internet searching is a focus here, as the staff fields more and more requests for help and advice on internet searching. Another area of concern from focus group members was a need for more computers in the library. Because of limitations on the area power grid, this will need to be accomplished through providing a wireless network for patrons.
Finally, the fifth service response, Lifelong Learning, recognizes the library’s critical role in providing consistently updated opportunities for patrons to satisfy their interests in a variety of materials for reading and viewing, print and electronic research, and community activities.
Introduction
n the spring of 2006, the Southwick Public Library Board of Trustees and the Library Director determined a need to write a new long-range plan for the library for the following reasons:
1. The long range plans for 2000 through 2005 had been completed.
2. The Board of Trustees and Director needed a tool to provide direction for the library to meet the needs of its patrons for the next five years.
3. The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners requires a library to have a current long- range plan to be eligible for state grants.
Southwick Public Library -- Overview
The Southwick Public Library boasts 12,000 square feet and houses an Adult Library, the William A. Laporte Art Gallery, a Children’s Library, a Community Room, Restrooms and a Staff Room. Programs for Adults and Children, including YAs (Young Adults) are offered on a regular basis. The “Suntime Reading” summer reading program routinely involves over 400 area children and provides summertime activities around a central theme. Children are given the opportunity to earn prizes of all sorts based on the amount of reading they accomplish during the program. Other programming during the year involves the Southwick Public Schools and outreach efforts to the various pre-school programs in Southwick and surrounding areas, as well as programming for adults. These programs are free and open to the public. Southwick Public
Library personnel consist of a full-time Director, a full-time Assistant Director, and eight part-time librarians including Reference, Children and Circulation experts.
The library is located on a large parcel of land situated on Rte. 57 (Feeding Hills Road), a main thoroughfare and a crossroads area which leads to Agawam, Westfield, or Granby, CT. The library is also adjacent to, and within walking distance of, the town’s schools including the elementary, middle, and high schools. Therefore, large numbers of school-age youngsters are attracted to the library; keeping them coming in and attracting all age groups with a wide variety of programs, services and materials the main objective of this plan for the years through 2012.
The Planning Process
The planning committee based its work on a manual published by the American Library Association and entitled New Planning for Results, A Streamlined Approach by Sandra Nelson, The manual called for the creation of a Long Range Planning Committee made up of a diverse group of community representatives including those who are employed locally and out of town, those who are also members of the current Board of Trustees, and those who are patrons of and stakeholders in the Southwick Public Library.
The following individuals agreed to serve on the committee:
Diane Caruso |
Library staff member |
Karen Contois |
Library trustee |
Eleanor Davio |
Southwick resident |
Geoffrey Goodman |
STRHS student and Library volunteer |
Burt Hansen |
Chair, Board of Library Trustees |
Pete Heap |
President, Friends othe Southwick |
Public Library
Michael McMahon |
Library trustee |
Anne Murray |
Library director |
Nancy Stenberg |
Library trustee |
The committee appointed Nancy Stenberg as its chair with Library Director Anne Murray serving as chief resource person and advisor.
A key element in the planning manual was gathering input from library patrons and community residents to provide necessary information for developing a new long-range plan. Two focus group meetings were scheduled early in the summer of 2006. Representatives of town businesses, community services, government, professional groups, religious groups, and senior service organizations were invited to participate. Those who participated were: the Council on Aging, Family Support Coalition, the Southwick Historical Commission and Historical Society, the Southwick cultural Council, Rotary Club and Lions Club, as well as a branch manager from Westbank and the pastor of the Southwick Congregational Church.
Feedback from these meetings, as well as 368 responses to a survey conducted at the annual town meeting in the spring of 2006, at the opening day of the 2006 Suntime Reading program and at Southwick-Tolland Regional High School, were analyzed by the committee and served as the basis for the development of a community vision for the town and a vision and mission statement for the library.
The committee also identified service responses which linked community needs with specific library services and programs. These service responses served as the basis for developing specific goals and objectives. Staff opinions were sought through questionnaires and meeting attendance. The full Board of Trustees and the Library Director were given the opportunity to review the document.
The Board of Trustees approved the plan at its meeting of November 14, 2006.
Long-Range Planning Committee
Vision for Southwick Public Library
The Southwick Public Library will continue to grow as the nucleus of enrichment for the citizens of Southwick and all patrons of the library. We will actively offer opportunities for expanded knowledge and information, and a gathering place to the community and all patrons. The Library’s programs will strive to meet the needs and interests of all.
Adult, Young Adult, and Children’s collections will be copious, varied, informative, and enticing. Library materials will continue to be selected according to patron requests, library/school collaboration, early literacy appeal, and current trends. Through this, and competently utilized inter-library loan, patrons of widely diverse tastes and needs will be well served.
Library operations will continue to be well staffed by trained professionals who are compensated at the accepted rate. The staff will continue to enhance its expertise in the areas of technology, reference, circulation, and specialized services. The staff will keep abreast of cutting edge technology and will make recommendations on purchasing.
Finally, the community will perceive their library as a helpful, friendly place where they can go to get information of all kinds and interact with their neighbors at times that are convenient to them.
Long-Range Planning Committee
Community Vision for the Town of Southwick
Southwick is an evolving rural, agricultural, and professional community. The stable tax rate and natural loveliness of Southwick, as well as its crossroads location, will continue to bring more people and jobs to the town. It will continue to support attractive and well planned development. Town government will fully fund cultural and recreational offerings for all town residents.
All residents will have the cultural, intellectual, and recreational programs that they need to be lifelong learners and vital, contributing members of the community.
Funds will be reserved and plans will be made to upgrade, preserve and/or expand town-owned properties and structures.
Southwick Public Library
Mission Statement
The Southwick Public Library provides:
• Business and career information services;
• An accessible, comfortable, friendly environment where people of all ages and abilities can meet and interact on a variety of levels;
• A current collection with sufficient copies of titles in high demand to fulfill patrons’ appetite for information about popular, cultural, and social trends;
• Print, non-print, and electronic references resources that cover work, school, and personal life. The skilled staff will determine and fulfill users’ needs;
• Resources, assistance, and tools to support educational goals. These activities and materials will address the community’s desire for self-directed personal growth and development opportunities to ensure lifelong learning.
Service Response 1
Business and Career Information
A library that offers Business and Career Information services addresses a need for information related to business, careers, work, entrepreneurship, personal finances and obtaining employment.
Goal 1:
The library will monitor the needs of the community for business and career information and become a resource providing access to this information in collaboration with interested community partners.
Objective 1:
By July 1, 2008, circulation of new business and career materials recently purchased will increase by 5 percent.
Objective 2:
Based on input from the local business community, adult patrons and residents, the library will offer two career workshops per year, in collaboration with community partners beginning July 1, 2008. These workshops will likely cover such topics as computer literacy, resume writing, interviewing, networking and job hunting.
Objective 3:
The library will continue to review information and resources available at the state level that could be provided through the local library.
Objective 4:
By July 1, 2009, the library will evaluate the need to create a “business center” with an eye toward implementation, if needed.
Goal 2:
The library will provide expert personal assistance, specialized electronic and print resources and services of interest to the business community, to investors, to individuals seeking employment or who are dealing with a changing work environment and to individuals who are contemplating a career move or change. Library users will be able to access a significant amount of information without visiting the library by using telephone, e-mail and computer-based delivery systems.
Objective 1:
By February 1, 2008, the library will make information available in print and on the website outlining business and career materials available from the library.
Objective 2:
The library will assess staff education and training needs to support this goal, and provide opportunities and support to staff seeking continuing education and formal coursework related to these areas.
Objective 3:
By July 1, 2010, the library will increase the resources available to patrons on business start-up and business operations.
Objective 4:
In order to support the implementation of a “business center,” appropriate budget requests will be made during each year of this plan to include updated or new technology and equipment, as necessary.
Service Response 2
Commons
A library that provides a Commons environment helps address the need of people to meet and interact with others in their community and to participate in public discourse about community needs.
Goal 1:
The library will continue to address the needs of town residents and all library patrons by providing public space for meeting and gathering. The library will add electronic presentation equipment to the community room to address the needs of those residents and patrons who have requested this service.
Objective 1:
By July 1, 2007, the library will have offered the use of the community room space to the Southwick Family Support Coalition and the Southwick Tolland Regional High School, to schedule lifelong learning programs for teenagers and their parents on the stress related to getting through high school and into college.
Objective 2:
By October 31, 2007, the library will hold its first annual Open House in the Community Room for all patrons and residents interested in using the space for nonprofit group meetings, and invite town departments to hold meetings at the library to help promote enhanced capabilities.
Objective 3:
By July 1, 2008, the library will purchase a presentation projector to enable residents and patrons to use the community room for electronic presentations.
Objective 4:
By December 30, 2008, the library will have scheduled computer use and internet use classes for senior citizens in the community room using the presentation projector as a teaching tool.
Objective 5:
The library will continue to develop varied programs for teen patrons based on a yearly survey.
Goal 2:
The library will offer expanded programming for adults such as lectures, concerts, film screenings, and how-to workshops.
Objective:
Surveys will be given to adult patrons to inquire about programming interests. By July 1, 2010, the library will offer an additional four programs per year, varying the offerings to find the right mix of programming for patrons of all ages, as well as interested town and area residents; for example, concerts, films, craft classes, parenting seminars, and history and genealogy programs.
Service Response 3
Current Topics and Titles
A library that provides Current Topics and Titles helps to fulfill community residents’ appetite for information about popular culture and social trends and their desire for satisfying recreational experiences.
Goal 1:
All patrons will have additional Readers’ Advisory services for their use, such as pathfinders like NoveList etc., to help answer their requests for recommendations of current titles and materials on current topics.
Objective 1:
By July 1, 2009, the Children’s and Young Adult Department will each create a total of four pathfinders and the Adult Department will create an additional two. The Children’s and Young Adult Department will create four pathfinders each by the fifth year of this plan. The Adult Department will create two a year. The objective will be measured by the number of pathfinders taken by patrons.
Objective 2:
Appropriate staff members will participate in appropriate workshops as soon as they are offered, with the intention of training them in creating paper pathfinders and using online reader advisory tools.
Objective 3:
The Adult, Young Adult and Children’s Departments will continue to create, and expand upon monthly displays of new materials of current titles, topics, items recommended by patrons, new formats or possible new genres (recommended by patrons, i.e. manga graphic novels for adults) to promote the collection.
Goal 2:
The third to sixth graders of Southwick will visit the library and find materials for their recreational needs and attend after school programs, i.e., book discussions, author visits, etc.
Objective 1:
The number of Juvenile Fiction materials circulating will increase by a total of 5% from F/Y ‘07, and will increase by 1% each year for five years.
Objective 2:
The number of 3rd to 6th grade programs and participants will increase to four programs a school year. Two after-school activities will be held for 5th and 6th graders in F/Y ‘08, expanding to include at least two additional programs for 3rd and 4th graders by F/Y ‘09.
Service Response 4
General Information
A library that offers General Information helps meet the need for information and answers to questions on a broad array of topics related to work, school and personal life.
Goal 1:
The library will select and purchase materials, and continue to expand its collection to meet the growing needs of the community, emphasizing two key areas: 1) a popular, current, entertainment collection and 2) business and career information. The library will offer print, multi-media and electronic resources that cover a broad variety of topics.
Objective 1:
The library will continue to monitor the needs of patrons through surveys, Recommend to Purchase forms, Inter Library Loan requests, reference records, and patron suggestions and information in the media such as national best-seller lists. The Board of Trustees will conduct a comprehensive review of public service-related policies, commencing on approval of this plan.
Objective 2:
The library will continue to update and expand the collection. The library will investigate expanding the availability of materials and information available via the internet. By July 1, 2008, staff will evaluate and recommend for purchase new databases for subscription. The library will evaluate the feasibility of hosting its own web page.
Objective 3:
The library will continue to maintain and develop relationships between the public library and school libraries.
Goal 2:
The library will provide staff skillful in determining users’ needs and in locating relevant information that satisfies those needs, as well as meet the requirements established by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC).
Objective 1:
The library will assess staff education and training needs to support this goal, providing opportunities and support to staff seeking continuing education and formal coursework related to these areas. The training will ensure the staff is highly skilled in database searching and familiar with a variety of computer search engines. The staff will continue to provide one-on-one and other appropriate assistance to patrons on how to research via both online and print materials. This objective will continue to be measured by recording the number of research requests monthly.
Objective 2:
Assure that facilities are suitable for both interaction between library staff and patrons and for quiet study. Evaluate the need for improved study carrels and small-group study facilities.
Objective 3:
The library will increase access to information for patrons through the use of a wireless network or other appropriate technologies no later than July 1, 2008.
Objective 4:
By December 31, 2010, the expenditures for materials will increase by 25 percent over the FY 2005 budget amount.
Objective 5:
The library will continue to exceed the minimum standards established by the MBLC including working toward the standards required of communities with populations exceeding 10,000 residents.
Service Response 5
Lifelong Learning
A library that provides Lifelong Learning service helps address the desire for self-directed personal growth and development opportunities.
Goal:
To address the community’s desire for self-directed personal growth and development opportunities to ensure lifelong learning, the library will provide and maintain an extensive collection of circulating materials on a wide variety of topics in which the general public has a sustained interest
Objective 1:
By July 1, 2010, the library will develop its new business and career information section (as determined under Business and Career Information, Goal 1, Objective 4).
Objective 2:
The library will continue to maintain a Community Bulletin Board, a Teen Interest Bulletin Board and display areas for brochures for local agencies and programs. These areas will be constantly monitored and updated.
Objective 3:
The library will continue to update a library link from the Town of Southwick’s website.
Objective 4:
The library will continue its popular “Artist of the Month” art gallery program for area artists to display their work for the public’s enrichment and enjoyment.
Objective 5:
The library will continue to exhibit patrons’ collections in the display case in the Reading Nook in the main room.
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